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A statement on the murder of Dr. George Tiller
by Episcopal clergy in the Wichita area and Bishop Dean Wolfe

June 1, 2009

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39

We are writing as members of the Episcopal Clergy of the Southwest Convocation, a region of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.

We are deeply saddened and horrified by the killing of Dr. George Tiller while in his place of worship this past Sunday. As worship leaders this is particularly devastating for us and our Christian communities, and worshipers of God all across this country.

We are especially affected by this terrible act because violence precludes relationship – and to move out of relationship is where sin flourishes. Where can we go if murder is a solution? There is no hope, and there is no discussion if all ends in violence and fear. Our concern is for our neighborhoods, our churches, our friends and families, our communities and our cities. People are drawn into places of worship precisely because worshiping God points us to a larger truth.

More than anything, our belief is in the Risen Lord, Jesus the Christ, and because of this we are assured that violence will never have the last word. This was not a Christian act; this was not what Jesus taught.

We feel compelled to make this statement as witnesses to our faith, that we hold absolutely certain that violence will never prevail, and that darkness will not win. In the name of Jesus Christ, we reach out to all of our neighbors, in Wichita and beyond, across denominations and faiths; we bid you to continue to reach out to your brothers and sisters in love without fear. And we encourage you to continue conversation even in the midst of differing views. We feel assured that we can disagree without resorting to acts of violence.

Our prayers continue for Dr. Tiller’s family and everyone who has been touched by this violence.

The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas

The Very Rev. Katherine B. Moorehead, Dean of the Southwest Convocation and Rector, St. James Episcopal Church, Wichita

Deacon Patsy A. Abshier, Deacon, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wichita

The Rev. Eric A. Anderson, Rector, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Newton

The Rev. Catherine A. Caimano, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wichita

The Rev. C.P. Criss, retired, St. James Episcopal Church, Wichita

The Rev. Betty M. Glover, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Winfield and Trinity Episcopal Church, Arkansas City

The Rev. Liz Gomes, retired, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Wichita

Deacon Bob Hirst, Deacon, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Wichita

The Rev. Laurie Lewis, Curate, Trinity Episcopal Church, El Dorado

The Rev. Ronald R. Peak, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, El Dorado

The Rev. Steven Mues, Rector, Stephen’s Episcopal Church, A Combined Ministry, Wichita

The Rev. Tom Wilson, Rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Derby